Shock of the week: Walmart sells (cheap) style

Ever since the People of Walmart blog taught us about the glorious horror of too-tight velour sweatpants, rogue fat rolls and hilariously inappropriate T-shirt slogans worn in broad florsecent light, I've never considered that the store might actually sell something cute.

Sure, I'll stop in for off-brand self tanner or toilet paper on my way to Target, but stop in for fashion? Not unless I needed a three-wolf-moon shirt as a gag gift.

Well, I've been proved wrong.

Stranded in the store during a rainstorm the other day, I started browsing. At close examination, simple sundresses were totally passable! Strappy sandles, a steal! Bathing suits, not so bad! I can't vouch for quality, but to the naked eye, so much was -- dare I say it -- stylish!

Check out the funky, chunky watch I snagged for $12.

It seems I'm not the first one to take notice of the treasures hiding behind "Save Money, Live Better!" Another frugal-minded blog, Penny Chic, just launched a new monthly feature challenging professional stylists to put together looks with Walmart clothes.

The first, Djuna Bel, put together a darn adorable ensable involving a mini-striped maxi dress and leopard print cardigan (or is it cheetah?)

Props, Djuna, however you pronounce your name. This look is fierce, and alltogether cost $60. Without the shades (which, as someone who saved up her pennies to buy the real deal Ray Ban Clubmasters a few years ago, personally leave me feeling jilted), it costs less than Deal Diva Stephanie's favorite new shoes.

About the bloggers

Looking for shopping deals in Tampa Bay? The Deal Divas are on the prowl, sniffing out hot fashion finds that won't leave your wallet in ruins. Now you never have to miss a shopping deal! Check in often for the lowdown on local bargains, as well as fashion advice, fun photos and style news. Disclaimer: The content of this blog is produced by the editorial staff of the Times and is not tied to advertising. E-mail us ideas you'd like us to write about.

Stephanie Hayes , addicted to heels for 15 years, has been experimenting with ballet flats, boots and cute sneakers lately. Her poor, tired feet thank her. She can never get enough animal print, and her eye shadow collection has become a bit of a hoard. While other kids were reciting multiplication tables, she was learning to calculate an extra third off the half-price discount during buy-one-get-one week. She knows a healthy swipe of red lipstick can make any outfit better. She can be reached at (813) 226-3394 or shayes@tampabay.com.

Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at (850) 224-7263 or ksanders@tampabay.com..

Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost, but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan, she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8643 or kstanley@tampabay.com.

From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or ksummers@tampabay.com.